Teachers attend gun training classes in wake of Florida school shooting and Trump’s new vision for ‘protecting’ students

Texas teachers go to gun school: Weapon training classes for educators fill up fast in wake of Florida shooting and Trump’s new vision for protecting students

-Teachers in North Texas are readying themselves in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting that killed 17

-Sixteen teachers and school staff members got a whole day of training Saturday on how to handle a weapon in the event of an active shooter situation

-The free event was led by a former police officer with 30-years experience

-Interest in the program was so high, there are plans to schedule a new class

-The issue of arming teachers as a way to make schools safer has been at the forefront since the February 14 shootings

-The White House unveiled gun and school safety proposals on Sunday night

-They include arming teachers but backtrack on president

-Donald Trump’s previous calls to raise the minimum age to purchase certain firearms to 21

Teachers in Texas have been learning how to fire a gun in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting that killed 17 including three educators.

On Saturday, 16 educators took part in an entire day of training and learnt how to fire a gun in the event of a shooting happening at their schools.

Police officers volunteered their time to help out during the event at the Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas.

The free session was led by a former Irving police officer, Tim Bulot, who has over 30 years experience.

Speaking to CBS Local he said: “This is the first time I’ve done anything like this…normally it’s police officers, SWAT and overseas contractors who we train here.”

The event saw a full day of gun training where teachers were asked to shoot at targets and also learned how to handle the weapon.

Bulot added: “I wanted to bring teachers and law enforcement together into our world because now we’re not the first ones there on these active shooters . They are.”

Teacher Kim Raney, who attended the session said: “It’s scary sometimes. We do our best to have security at our schools, but you never know what’s going to happen. And it’s better to be prepared than not prepared.”

Another who attended was teacher Jeremie Parker whose niece died in the Sandy Hook school shooting.

Although he hopes he never has to use his training.

He said: “Every day we think about her and every day I think, what if, but I try to keep her spirit alive by living how she would want me to be.

“I probably won’t carry in the classroom if the district ever allows it. It’s just one of those things to prepare and better train myself in understanding how to use a firearm.”

Writing on its Facebook page following the training the weapons academy wrote: “What a day! Educators are some of the hardest working and fastest learning students I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Bulot is hoping to put on more classes for teachers in the future.

The class comes as US lawmakers weigh arming school staff in an effort to boost safety in schools following the Parkland school shooting.

On Valentine’s Day this year, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people, including three staff members, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Florida Governor Rick Scott has already signed a bill into law that allows school staff to be specially trained to carry guns on the job.

The White House is also looking to press ahead with school safety proposals – which includes arming teachers.

The Trump administration’s plans include “rigorous firearms training” for “specially qualified” teachers who want to volunteer for it.

Proposals also want to establish a commission chaired by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that will recommend policy and funding proposals for school violence prevention – including possible age restriction on some firearm purchases.

CNN reports that the administration also plans to support the transition of military veterans and retired law enforcement into new careers in education.